Well, my Lodge Dutch Oven (or "Faux Creuset," as I like to say) cooks like an absolute dream. I even think I actually prefer it to my mother's Le Creuset, although that may have more to do with the fact that I love Dutch Ovens, and she doesn't have one in her collection.

This Dutch Oven was a $60 Christmas gift, but practically identical Le Creuset goes for $229! I used to have a nice Le Creuset casserole dish that I quite liked, and it was not too spendy, but in general, I am a total Lodge convert, now.

DBF has shown particularly exemplary and attentive behavior this week as nurse, chauffeur, and head cheerleader, so I have decided to thank him with a sumptuous brunch today, now that I am up and feeling better. He requested quiche, because it gives him a chance to sample my pastry dough, which, I am not too shy to say, I have absolutely perfected. I'm using a Julia Child recipe for the quiche filling and I'm pretty damn excited to see how that turns out!

Went out to an Ethiopian restaurant last night with two female friends. We had never all hung out together before, and I think the group dynamic was good! We are going to get together again next weekend to make mulled wine and watch the Golden Globes. Fun!

One of my friends was headed out to a jazz club after dinner. I would have loved to join her, but I was too exhausted. I'm *still* getting over being totally knocked out earlier this week, and I had worked on a paper I am proposing at a conference all yesterday, and I was totally knackered from going to a friend's birthday party Friday night and seeing a drag show (which was *excellent*!).

Today, I'm looking forward to doing a little cleaning, making this quiche (yum!), and relaxing.